CBDC Youth Loan

Young entrepreneurs aged 18-34 know that getting a loan to start a new business can be challenging. Our Youth Loan program offers young entrepreneurs (18-34) access to the capital they need for business startup, expansion or modernization. It’s available as a repayable loan with competitive interest rates and repayment terms.

Enactus Canada

Guided by academic advisors and business experts, student leaders create and implement community empowerment projects and business ventures with a strong focus on social entrepreneurship. This helps students unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and develop the talent and perspective essential to leadership. Student Entrepreneur National Competition recognizes and rewards the commitment, determination and achievements of full-time university and college student business owners.

FCC – Young Entrepreneur Program – Agribusiness and Agrifood

This program is targeted at individuals under 40 that require financing for an agriculture retail, manufacturing or food processing business. The Young Entrepreneur Loan can provide the needed capital to launch a new business or take a current operation to the next level. Funds can be used to purchase or improve an agricultural-related business or to purchase shares in an agriculture or agri-food related business.

FCC Young Farmers Loan

If you’re a qualified producer under 40, the Young Farmer Loan can help you take the next step in your agriculture career. This program features:   Purchase ag-related assets up to $1,000,000 Closed variable rates at prime plus 0.5% No loan processing fees Special fixed rates available

Invest Nova Scotia TecSocial

TecSocial is a monthly meeting for those with an interest in technology and entrepreneurship. The topics feature a variety of entrepreneurs and subject matter experts. TecSocial brings together entrepreneurs from across Cape Breton, Invest Nova Scotia clients, business professionals, industry representatives and students. These events are free and open to the public. Appetizers provided are compliments of Invest Nova Scotia.

Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement delivers programs in the areas of work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship to elementary, middle and high schools in the classroom and after school. Programs include Our Business World, Dollars with Sense, Economics for Success and Company Program. Its Ideation Bootcamp is a 6 week after-school program that provides students in Grade 9-12 with the opportunity to explore generating, developing and evaluating ideas for launching a new entrepreneurial venture. It allows students to develop and test ideas through market research and prototyping, set goals, develop a business model canvas, and learn how to pitch their product or service.

Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse Youth Entrepreneurship

CDÉNÉ supports youth entrepreneurship working closely with the Université Sainte-Anne and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP). Initiatives include:

Networking activities where students meet and develop a deeper understanding of local entrepreneurs
Business Pitch competitions – students present entrepreneurial ideas to “Dragons” from the business world to get advice and to potentially obtain funding for their initiatives
Mentoring young people to support the development of entrepreneurial thought process or mindset
Entrepreneurship boot camps for students from Grades 4 to 6 with the Écoles Plus (Schools Plus) team of the CSAP
Workshops for youth on current topics related to entrepreneurship

Nova Scotia Provincial Grant Finder

Grants and funding programs offered through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

Sydney Makerspace

The Sydney Makerspace gives Cape Breton start-ups, entrepreneurs, students and other creative minds the place, equipment, materials and education to let them design and build innovative products. The 4,000 sq.ft. space in Sydney includes a general work area, a tool library, a metal working shop, a selection of woodworking tools, an electronics/robotics lab, as well as 3D drawing and printing abilities. Discounted memberships are available to students, educators, Veterans, seniors and partner groups (Centre for Craft and Design, Island Sandbox, Navigate, New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation and Mentor Connect)

THINKFARM – Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture

THINKFARM.ca provides introductory level resources for starting a farm in Nova Scotia. The website has information on defining your farm vision, business planning and regulations which apply to new farm businesses. It is a good starting point before accessing advisory services from the Department of Agriculture and Perennia Field Services staff. The THINKFARM Facebook page and electronic mailing list provide information about training workshops and events of interest to new and aspiring farmers in the province.